Page 81 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“I have work that cannot wait.”
Father nodded. “Very well. Your turn will be last, then. That is more fitting, actually. After all your brothers have spent time allowing Miss Davies to get to know them, if you are still the one who most suits, then will you do your duty by your father and this young lady?” His father’s eyes pierced him.
His promise to Rhi barreled in his ears. He would not propose unless he loved her. He did love her. But he couldn’t put her in danger.
“I...”
“Come, son. This is not so much a question to answer as it is a required response.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s settled, then.” Father cleared his throat. “And now I should like to spend some time with Marc, if you ladies don’t mind our departure from you. We have much to discuss about his unique contributions to Oldenburg.”
Father indicated Marc should enter the adjoining room, which was used for conferences and often for the council.
His mother and Rhi took chairs beside each other, and Marc shuddered to think what confidences they would share between them.
He suddenly felt outnumbered and, in many ways, outwitted.
But he had other issues at hand and was looking forward to his father’s insight regarding Napoleon’s supporters.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Rhi had to remind herselfthat the woman who sat close and cozy on the chair next to her was the Queen of Oldenburg, Her Royal Majesty.
She appeared to be simply a normal, caring woman Rhi felt she’d known as long as she had her own mother.
“Now, tell me all about Marc.” The queen smiled and leaned closer.
Rhi laughed. “Aren’t I the one who is supposed to be asking you that question?”
“I’m only wondering how he is around you. Something is going on with my boy, and I can’t decide what it is. He’s... brooding.” She laughed. “And I’m thrilled to suspect that you are the cause.”
Rhi didn’t know how to respond. And she wasn’t sure which parts of the story Marc would like to tell himself. But she was involved with this family in an entirely overwhelming, beyond-her-ability-to-handle sort of way, and she needed help.
“I believe he cares for me. Deeply, I think. But he’s told me more than once that we can never be.”
His mother waved that aside, to Rhi’s great surprise. “Oh, we never listen when the men say ridiculous things. How do you know he cares?”
“When I need someone, he knows. And he is there. He wanted to see my reaction to Oldenburg when we first pulled in. He stands close, holds my hand.” She blushed furiously. “But he obviously does not care enough.”
“And do you?”
“I’m trying not to if I have to find another man to marry.” She covered her face with her hands. “This is all so very difficult.”
His mother was quiet for a long time, and when Rhi lowered her hands from her face, the queen was studying her. And then she said, “We will have to let this play out. You and Marc, or you and one of his brothers. If there is one thing I know about our Marc, he cannot be forced, pushed, or cajoled. The minute he senses he is being manipulated, we will lose him.”
“I would never,” Rhi said. “We have an agreement.”
“Oh?” The queen smiled.
“Yes. He promised not to propose unless he loves me.”
Marc’s mother nodded. “Excellent.”
“But it doesn’t matter much unless he is willing to let someone in. The king seems determined that I marry another.” She sighed. “I’ll be honest and tell you I’m hoping to delay that opportunity for as long as possible.” She toyed with her skirts. “I could get on with someone famously if we were both friends. Like Kristoff. He’s wonderful. We laugh and tease and play. But we are only friendly, nothing more. If I were in love and he only passively aware of me, I would be miserable.” She swallowed. “It would be even worse if I felt beholden to him.”
The queen nodded again. “Yes, I see how difficult that would be.” She patted Rhi’s hand. “I have a feeling it will all work out as it should in the end. We have all the time in the world. But, no matter what happens, the way I see it, you are my new daughter. So welcome to the family.” She reached over and squeezed Rhi in a way that left no doubt of the woman’s affection and support.
